The cybersecurity landscape of our world is constantly evolving, and while hackers are surely relentless, experts on the legitimate side of the conflict also work tirelessly to develop advanced defense systems to protect businesses and individuals. However, hackers have developed effective ways to get around even the most robust and effective network security systems; by taking advantage of human vulnerabilities, they trick people into giving away sensitive information. In order to avoid becoming a target yourself, let’s familiarize you with the most common social engineering ploys.
Phishing
Phishing is a method of social engineering attack where hackers use phone calls, text messages, or emails to get people to divulge sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, or Social Security info. These attacks can involve sending emails or messages that look to be from legitimate sources, such as credit card companies, government agencies, or banks.
Often, these fraudulent messages will contain urgent appeals for the above information or offer incredible deals. If their target opens an attachment or clicks on a link within this message, they may be taken to a false website that appears like the real one (a method like this is called a spoof). The hacker’s goal is to deceive the victim into unknowingly sending sensitive information via this spoofed site.
Baiting
Baiting is another social engineering method. It works with leaving something – usually of value, such as a USB drive – in a public location. When the victim “takes the bait” by inserting the drive into their computer, their device could be infected by inlaid malware or taken to a malicious website.
Quid Pro Quo
This attack involves offering something in exchange for favors or desired information. As an example, an attacker may offer to fix a technical problem for a victim, I exchange for login information.
Pretexting
Pretexting is when a hacker creates a false scenario with the goal of gaining the victim’s trust. For example, the hacker in question could pretend to be a customer service employee of a trusted company and call the target, asking for account information.
Spear Phishing
Spear Phishing is quite similar to a normal Phishing attack, with the caveat being that instead of harassing randomly selected individuals, Spear Phishing attacks are designed and target specific organizations or individuals. Such attacks are oftentimes more sophisticated and organized than traditional phishing attacks, so while they are more difficult to employ, they are also more difficult to detect.
Whaling
Whaling is a more refined version of a spear phishing attack, and is specifically intended to target wealthy individuals such as high-level executives. These attacks can be even more planned and well-executed than their previous counterpart, and the financial loses they can cause can be dangerous. This is the highest level of phishing attack.
Watering Hole
This type of social engineering attack is when hackers target a website or application that is frequently used by the intended targets. When a victim visits these watering hole websites, usually made to look like their legitimate counterparts and have a similar address, their device may be infected with malware.
Smishing
Smishing, also known as SMS phishing, is when attackers send messages over text that appear to be from legitimate counterparts. Usually, these attacks will ask for sensitive information or offer appealing deals. As per usual, clicking on a link in a message such as this could lead to a malicious website or getting infected with malware.
Vishing
Finally, vishing, or voice phishing, involves attackers making phone calls that mimic ones from legitimate sources. Then, they attempt to lure victims into giving information over the phone.
No matter how advanced the security measures bought and implemented, fraud and social engineering strategies will always remain a threat for businesses. However, expertIT has dismissed more than our fair share of attacks like these, and come armed with the experience to help you identify them as well. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.